Storage system having a disposable vacuum bag

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a storage system having a storage device having at least one polymeric sheet sealed along a portion of its&#39; periphery to provide an opening to a storage space; a resealable closure structure adapted to seal the opening to the storage space, the resealable closure structure comprising selectively engaging male and female profiles and a sealing compound comprising liquid silicone and at least one filler in proportions suitable for at least incidental contact to food items contained within the storage space; a vacuum valve assembly disposed on the polymeric sheet; a stand-off structure disposed adjacent to the vacuum valve assembly, wherein the stand-off structure has a series of raised surfaces facing the vacuum valve assembly; a portable vacuum pump assembly structured to engage the vacuum valve assembly; and a liquid separator assembly coupled to the portable vacuum pump assembly.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/617,300 filed Dec. 28, 2006, which is a divisional of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/186,131 filed Jul. 20, 2005, which claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/590,858, filedon Jul. 23, 2004, 60/602,685 filed on Aug. 19, 2004, and 60/609,920,filed on. Sep. 15, 2004. Each of the above referenced patentapplications is incorporated herein by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a flexible, inexpensive, evacuablestorage device optionally having a resealable opening which includes acaulking composition disposed along a closure structure suitable for atleast incidental contact to food items contained within the storagedevice. The present invention also relates to a vacuum storage deviceand a system for vacuum storage.

Reported Developments

Flexible, sealable storage devices, such as Consumer Storage Bags arecommonly used to store items such as, but not limited to, food. Thesedevices typically have a bag body made from a thin, flexible plasticmaterial and include a resealable closure. While inexpensive and easy touse, these devices also allow a quantity of air to be enclosed with theitem being stored. Air within a storage device containing food is notdesirable as the air reacts with the food and will cause spoliation.Additionally, when storage bags are placed in a below freezingenvironment, typically in a freezer, “freezer burn” may also damage thefood items. Freezer burn occurs when moisture is drawn from the fooditem and forms ice, typically on the food item. Freezer burn is reducedwhen entrapped air is substantially eliminated from the storage devicewith concomitant contouring of the bag wall of the storage device aroundthe food item. Consequently, less moisture will be drawn out of the fooditem. To this end it is known to evacuate a flexible storage deviceprior to sealing it. However, such systems heretofore did not include aresealable opening in the storage device.

Prior systems that evacuate flexible storage bags typically include alarge device having a vacuum unit and a heat sealer structured to bondsheets of plastic together. The user typically cuts a length of plasticfrom a roll of plastic and uses the heat sealer to form the plastic intoa bag with an opening. After an item has been placed in the bag throughthe opening, the vacuum unit is then used to remove substantially all ofthe air from the bag and the bag is sealed. Systems such as thesefabricate a bag or pouch that can only be used once. The cost ofmaterial is high as reusability is not an option. These large devicesare not portable and the act of forming a bag is time consuming.

There is need for a vacuum storage system utilizing a portable vacuumdevice and optionally a resealable, evacuable, flexible storage device.Resealable closure systems are known, for example, interlocking profilesused in plastic bags. However, in a typical resealable closure,engagement of the sealing structures is rarely perfect, leaving gaps inthe profile seal. Moreover, during manufacture of reclosable devices,frequently seals at the ends of the reclosable device distort theengaging portions of the closure which can also provide an unsealedregion in the closure. As a consequence of these and other problemsassociated with resealable closures, a bag utilizing a: resealableclosure may not be air tight. Consequently when a bag utilizing aresealable closure is subjected to a pressure differential, for example,when it is evacuated or when there is a partial pressure differential ofa particular gas between the inside and outside of the bag, gas can leakacross the resealable closure and enter, or leave the sealed packagethrough the closure. Thus, gases, for example, air may penetrate into asealed bag, or for example water vapor may leak from a sealed bag. Thisis especially a problem when the interior of the bag is at a differentpressure than the ambient air, for example, when the bag is under avacuum, or when the bag contains a gas at a higher or lower partialpressure than the gas is present in the ambient.

Accordingly, there is a need for a flexible, resealable storage devicewherein the sealing structure has a resistance to fluid permeabilityunder a pressure differential across the sealing device. Moreover, thereis a need for a pre-made, inexpensive, flexible, reusable storage devicehaving a valve structured to operate with a portable vacuum pump.Additionally, there is a further need for a resealable closure thatprovides for reduction in entrapped air, a flexible bag wall to maintainitem conformance, and an air tight seal providing reduced permeabilityto oxygen, atmosphere intrusion or transmission, bacteria, molds and/orother sources of contamination when used in combination with vacuum pumptechnology. There is also a need for vacuum pump technology whichprovides for portability and utility in evacuating a food storageflexible package.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These needs, and others, are met by the present invention that providesin one aspect a vacuum system comprising: (a) a vacuum pump having asuction side; (b) a vacuum conduit in fluid communication with saidvacuum pump suction side, the vacuum conduit comprising: (i) agas/liquid separator means; (ii) at least one vacuum valve optionallycomprising a caulking compound (also termed herein a caulkingcomposition) disposed therein; (iii) optionally, a standoff structure;(iv) optionally one or more quick-connect means; (c) an evacuablepackage defining an interior space in fluid communication with saidvacuum conduit; and (d) optionally, a resealable closure defining anopening of said evacuable package. In some preferred embodiments thevacuum pump is portable.

In one embodiment, the vacuum system comprises a kit containing in oneassembly the vacuum pump, a liquid separator means and a portion of thevacuum conduit terminated with one portion of a quick-connect means, andin a second assembly, an additional portion of the vacuum conduitcomprising a cooperating portion of the quick-connect means, a vacuumvalve, an evacuable package and optionally a stand-off structure. Insome preferred embodiments, the vacuum pump assembly is provided in abreak-apart form wherein one portion of the system comprises the vacuumpump integrally assembled with some portions of the vacuum conduit, forexample, the liquid/gas separator, terminating in a quick-connect means,and the remaining portions of the vacuum conduit are provided integralwith the evacuable storage package, for example, a vacuum valve having acooperating quick-connect means arranged in the remaining portion of thevacuum conduit and integral with the flexible package and optionally astand-off structure.

In one embodiment the standoff structure comprises an embossed plasticsheet having a channel side and a projection side. In one embodiment thestandoff structure is positioned within the evacuable package having thechannel side in fluid communication with the vacuum conduit and vacuumvalve, and having the projection side proximal to the interior spacedefined by the package.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an evacuable storagepackage defining an interior space, a vacuum valve in fluidcommunication therewith, optionally a standoff structure in fluidcommunication with the vacuum valve, and optionally a resealable closuredefining an opening into the interior space of the package wherein theresealable closure comprises at least one set of interengaging profiles.

In some embodiments the resealable closure defining the opening of theinventive storage package comprises at least one pair of opposedinterengaging profiles wherein at least one of said interengagingprofiles has associated therewith a portion of the closure comprising alow density sealing material, thus providing a region in the closurehaving a high degree of conformance with the associated interengagingportion of the closure and as well as insuring that when the closure isend-sealed, a gap free seal is provided. In some embodiments the sealingmaterial comprises a portion of one or both interengaging profiles. Insome embodiments the sealing material comprises a portion of the flangeor of a post of the closure. In some embodiments the sealing materialcomprises the entire length of the profiles. In some embodiments thesealing material comprises selected portions of the profiles, such asthe periphery portions of one or both of the interengaging profiles. Insome embodiments the portion of the closure comprising the sealingmaterial is made from a polyolefin material having a density of not morethan 0.925 g/cm³, as defined according to ASTM D1505-03, entitled “Thestandard test method for density of plastics by density gradienttechniques”, Book of Standards Volume 08.01 (25). In some embodimentsthe resealable closure is used in conjunction with a caulkingcomposition. In one embodiment of the present invention, the caulkingcomposition acts to fill one or more voids between the interengagingprofiles, thus reducing the infiltration of ambient into the storagedevice when it is sealed and placed in a condition of reduced pressure.

In some embodiments the caulking composition is disposed proximal to theinterengaging closure profiles such that it is infiltrated into any gapsexisting in the closure when the closure profiles are engaged.

In some embodiments the caulking composition comprises a mixturesuitable for at least incidental contact to food items. In someembodiments the caulking composition maintains chemical stabilitythroughout a temperature range suitable for food storage and packaging.

In one embodiment the caulking composition is positioned on the firstmale profile and/or the first female profile. In one embodiment thecaulking composition is placed proximal to the interengaging profiles ofthe closure in one or more positions that permit it to infiltrate gapsformed in the seal formed by the interengaged profiles, for example, asapplied to the ends of the closure near the crush area, and as acontinuous bead along the closure either on or between one or more ofthe interengaging profile portions.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the resealable closuredevice further comprises at least a second set of interengaging profilespositioned in close proximity and parallel to the first set ofinterengaging profiles. In one embodiment having multiple pairs ofinterengaging profiles, in addition to sealing material being positionedbetween each of the engaged portions of the interengaging profiles, abead of caulking composition may be positioned within the spaceseparating the substantially parallel sets of interengaging profiles.

In one embodiment, the caulking composition comprises constituents suchthat it maintains integrity, without decomposition, throughout atemperature range suitable for packaging and food storage. Temperaturessuitable for packaging and food storage typically range fromapproximately −10° F. to approximately +160° F. In one embodiment thecaulking composition comprises liquid silicone and a filler, e.g. fumedsilica, in proportions to provide a grease with a grease consistencynumber of approximately 2.0, as characterized by National LubricatingGrease Institute (NGLI) standards. In one embodiment, the caulkingcomposition comprises a soy adhesive, such as Pro-cote®. soy polymeravailable from DuPont™. In another embodiment, the caulking compositioncomprises soy oils, for example, those available from Cargill™.Industrial Oils & Lubricants. In one embodiment the caulking compositioncomprises two reactive constituents, each residing on a differentportion of the closure, such that when the interengaging profiles of theclosure are engaged the two constituents are admixed, providing areaction product which infiltrates at least one void defined by theinterengaging closure profiles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the followingdescription of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of the storage device.

FIGS. 2-7 are cross-sectional views of resealable closure devicesincluding a caulking composition and/or sealing material.

FIG. 8 (perspective view) depicts one embodiment of the presentinvention in which a clamping means provides a resealable closure.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the vacuum valve assembly.

FIGS. 10 a-10 c are front views of stand-off structures.

FIGS. 11 a-11 c are isometric views of stand-off structures.

FIGS. 12 a-12 b are cross-sectional views of stand-off structures.

FIGS. 13 a-13 d are isometric views of embodiments of the storage devicein an unfolded condition.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the storage device in a foldedcondition.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the storage device depicted in FIG.14 along section line 9-9.

FIGS. 16 a-16 b illustrate the front view of the closing clip and theside view of the closing clip.

FIG. 17 is a side view of an end stop.

FIG. 18( a) is an isometric view of a suction cup tip of a portablevacuum pump and

FIG. 18( b) depicts a side cross-sectional view of the suction cup tipdepicted in FIG. 18( a).

FIG. 19 is an exploded, cross-sectional view of the liquid separator.

FIG. 20 is an exploded, isometric view of the liquid separator.

FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a bag in use, wherein the bag includes astand-off structure and vacuum valve assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is now discussed in more detail referring to thedrawings that accompany the present application. In the accompanyingdrawings, like and/or corresponding elements are referred to by likereference numbers. In one embodiment of the present invention, a vacuumsystem is provided that may include a portable vacuum pump and anevacuable package in communication through a vacuum conduit. Theevacuable package may optionally include a stand-off structure and aresealable closure having a caulking composition disposed thereon. Inone embodiment, the resealable closure comprises interlocking profileson which the caulking composition is disposed to provide a gaspermeation resistant seal in the resealable closure. The vacuum conduitprovides communication between the portable pump and the storage portionof the evacuable bag, wherein the vacuum conduit comprises at least avalve assembly and optionally a stand-off structure. In one embodiment,the stand-off structure provides a means to substantially eliminate theincidence of trapped air within the storage area of the evacuablepackage. Each of the aspects of the interlocking profiles, the caulkingcomposition, the vacuum valve assembly, the stand-off structure, and thevacuum pump are now discussed in greater detail.

Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the flexible, resealable storagedevice 10 comprises a flexible material 12 shaped as an evacuablepackage 14 (also referred to as evacuable bag). The flexible material 12is preferably a plastic sheet 16, such as polyolefin. The sheet 16 is,preferably, rectangular. In one embodiment, the sheet 16 is folded overupon itself and two lateral sides 15 are sealed adjacent to theperiphery to provide an opening 18 to a storage space 22. As such, theperiphery of the bag 14 is substantially sealed. In another embodimentof the present invention, the entire periphery of the evacuable bag 14is heat sealed.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the evacuable package 14 maybe a multilayer bag comprising an inner sealant layer and abarrier/strength layer. The inner sealant layer may comprise LDPE (lowdensity polyethylene) or LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene) and thebarrier/strength layer may comprise Nylon, PP (polypropylene) or PET(Polyester). As used herein the term “low density” in conjunction withpolyethylene denotes a material having a density of no greater than0.925 g/cm³, as defined by ASTM standard D-155-03, wherein the densitymay be adjusted with the addition of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).Another example of a multilayer bag and a method of forming a multilayerbag is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,267,960, titled “Bag For VacuumPackaging of Meats or Similar Products”, filed Aug. 29, 1979, which isincorporated herein by reference.

In the embodiments of the present invention in which the evacuable bag14 has an opening 18 to the storage space 22, the bag opening 18includes a resealable closure 20. The resealable closure 20 may includea set of interlocking profiles. In one example, the set of interlockingprofiles 21 may include resilient, selectively engaging male and femaleprofiles 21 (tongue-and-groove closure), structured to seal the opening18. It will be appreciated that there are numerous interlocking profilegeometries known, which can be employed in the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the selectively engagingprofiles of closure 21 (also termed herein sometimes for convenience asinterengaging profiles) are positioned along two opposing flexibleflanges (also termed herein sometimes for convenience as “panels”)including a first flange 50 and a second flange 52. As shown in FIG. 2,the two flexible, panels 50, 52 may include a raised surface 68, 69 onthe inside surface of the panels disposed outside the resealableclosure. The first flange 50 includes a male profile having at least oneprotrusion 54 that extends laterally across the bag 14. The secondflange 52 includes a female groove 60 defined by at least twoprotrusions (56, 58).

Still referring to FIG. 2, there may be multiple protrusions 62, 64,extending from the first and second flanges 50, 52 and forming multiplecorresponding male profiles and female grooves (also termed hereinsometimes for convenience as a female profile). The protrusions 54, 56,58, 62, 64 are generally formed from a polyolefin material with adensity of not less than approximately 0.925 g/cm³, preferably thosedescribed as a High Melt Index polyolefin (HMI). More specifically, theprotrusions 54, 56, 58, 62, 64 may comprise High Melt Index (MI)Polyethylene materials and Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Copolymers,particularly those having a vinyl acetate content of from about 4 weightpercent to about 12 weight percent. In addition, portions of theinterengaging profiles and/or surrounding closure structures may includeone or more features comprising low melt index or Ultra Low Density(ULD) Polyolefins. As used herein, the term “Ultra Low Density” denotesa density no greater than approximately 0.925 g/cm³. As will beappreciated, the density may be adjusted with the addition of EVA. Atleast one protrusion 54, 56, 58, 62, 64 may include a bead 66 ofpolyolefin material with a density of not more than approximately 0.925g/cm³. In some embodiments a bead 66 of softer material is disposed atthe tip of a protrusion 54, 56, 58, 62, 64 and is structured to engagethe opposing side 50, 52. The bead 66 of softer material is hereafterreferred to as a bead of sealing material 66.

As discussed above, the bead of sealing material 66 may have a lowerdensity than the protrusions 54, 56, 58, 62, 64. During the engagementof closure 21, the lower density and hence more compliant bead ofsealing material 66 conforms to the geometry of the higher density andmore rigid material comprising the portion of the closure against whichthe head of the profile abuts upon engagement. The softer material abutsthe closure with increased conformance to the abutting surface,advantageously providing a more effective seal against fluid exchangebetween the interior of the package and the ambient, for example, theintrusion of gas and the exterior atmosphere into the evacuable bag 14.Regardless of the above described embodiments, the resealable closure 21and its associated interlocking structures can comprise resilientmaterials of varying densities and melt indexes. Accordingly,embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure, includingcombinations of materials selected to achieve sealant conditions undervacuum and reduced temperature conditions.

The protrusions forming the male profile may also be referred as aprofile having a male head. The protrusions defining the female profile(also referred to as a groove) may also be referred to as profile havinga female head and a fillet positioned to provide a groove. Theresealable closure structure 20 may further include a closing clipstructured to ensure the complete engagement of the closure profiles.Specifically, the closure clip functions to ensure that theinterengaging profiles are engaged as the clip is disposed along a firstdirection, but does not affect the engagement of the profiles whendisposed along the direction opposite to that of the first direction.

Regardless of the specific details of construction or interaction of theprofiles of resealable closure 21, the interengaging portions of theresealable closure of the present invention preferably includes acaulking composition 99. For example, the caulking composition may bepositioned on at least one protrusion 54 on the first flange 50 and/orat least one protrusion 56, 58 on the second flange 52 of the closure21, wherein the caulking composition 99 assists in creating an air tightseal to the storage space 22. Specifically, during engagement of thefirst and second flange protrusions 54, 56, 58, 62, 64 of the male andfemale profiles, the caulking composition 99 sits within the groove 60to ensure an air-tight seal of the male and female profile.Specifically, the caulking composition 99 is positioned to infiltratethe void space defined between the engaged interlocking profiles ofclosure 21. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed thatthat the caulking composition 99 acts to infiltrate gaps between themale and female profiles, thus reducing the infiltration of ambient intothe storage device when it is placed in a condition of reduced pressure.

Accordingly, the resealable closure 20 is prepared before sealing byintroducing the caulking composition onto one or more members of theinterengaging profiles or onto a surface of the closure proximal to theinterengaging profiles, by methods such as deposition or injection,where it will be distributed during the interlocking process withinincipient gaps left between the interengaging profiles afterinterlocking. Alternately, prior to sealing the closure, the caulkingcomposition can be placed proximal to known areas, in which the sealingprofile is prone to exhibit gapping, for example, the ends of the maleand female profiles 21 at the bag's periphery. The portions of the maleand female profiles at the bags periphery are engaged by crush seal,which is often the site of leakage in the closure device. The voidscaused by the crush seal engagement at the male and female profile maybe filled with caulking composition to substantially reduce theincidence of leakage.

The caulking composition 99 may comprise any material that provides aselectively reversible air tight seal between interengaging members ofthe resealable closure 21, in which the caulking composition 99 issuitable for at least incidental contact to food items inserted throughthe opening to the storage space. Preferably, the caulking compositionmaintains its chemical structure throughout the operable temperaturerange of storage device 10. The term “suitable” for at least incidentalcontact denotes compounds that are eligible for compliance with orequivalent to being in compliance with the Federal Food Drug andCosmetic Act (Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations) standards forbeing generally recognized as safe (GRAS). The term “at least incidentalcontact” includes at least the unanticipated contact of food items beingpassed through the opening on which the closure strip is positioned asthe food items are being inserted into the storage space. Althoughindirect contact between the caulking composition and the food items ispreferred, in some embodiments the caulking composition may moredirectly contact the food, so long as the interaction between the fooditems and the caulking composition is in accordance with the regulationsof the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act.

It is noted that caulking compositions that are suitable for at leastincidental food contact may be consistent with the classification ofmaterials for “lubricants with incidental food contact” according toTitle 21 of the United States Code of Federal Regulations §178.3570(revised as of Apr. 1, 23), so long as the materials are consistent withthe Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act and have an operable temperaturerange suitable for food storage and packaging. In some preferredembodiments, the operable temperature range of the storage device isdefined as the temperature range that the storage bag is typicallysubjected to in shipping, packaging and food storage applications, forexample, food storage applications ranging from approximately −10° F. toapproximately 160° F. One example of a caulking composition that islisted as a “lubricant with incidental food contact” according to Title21 of the United States Code of Federal Regulations §178.3570 and has anoperable temperature range suitable for food storage and packagingcomprises dimethylpolysiloxane. Another example, is soy-based oils, forexample, those distributed by Cargill Corp., and soy-based adhesives,for example, those distributed by DuPont as Pro-cote™ soy polymers.

In order to provide an air tight seal, in some embodiments the caulkingcomposition 99 should be selected to have a work penetration of about290 to about 340, in which the work penetration is measured at 60strokes and a temperature of 77° F. in accordance with the NationalLubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) system for rating greases bypenetration and ASTM D217-97 titled “Standard Test Methods for ConePenetration of Lubricating Grease” (1997). The NLGI classifies greasesby consistency numbers as measured by worked penetration. In a preferredembodiment, the caulking composition 99 has a work penetration on theorder of about 290 to about 340 and is classified as a grease having aNLGI consistency number equal to approximately 2. Although it ispreferred that the caulking composition 99 have NLGI consistency numberequal to approximately 2, greases having lower or higher NLGIconsistency numbers may alternatively be utilized, so long as thecaulking composition 99 may be applied to the interengaging profiles ofclosure 21 using conventional injection methods and that the caulkingcomposition 99 is contained within the closure 21 when exposed totemperatures consistent with food storage container applications.

One example of a caulking composition 99, which meets the aboverequirements is silicone grease. Silicone grease is an amorphous, fumedsilica thickened, polysiloxane-based compound. Silicone grease is formedby combining liquid silicone with an inert silica filler. One example ofliquid silicone that may be utilized in forming silicone grease havingsuitable work penetration properties is: polydimethylsiloxane having aspecific gravity on the order of about 0.973 and a viscosity greaterthan about 3 centistokes, preferably on the order of about 350centistokes. Fumed silica, an inert silica filler, has a chain-like,particle morphology and when incorporated into liquid silicone formsthree dimensional networks that trap the liquid and effectivelyincreases the liquid's viscosity.

Silicone grease may provide desired work penetration values andtemperature range to produce an adequately air tight seal between theinterengaged profiles of closure 21 by selecting the proper proportionsof inert silica filler to liquid silicone. The proportion of inertsilica filler to liquid silicone is generally selected to ensure thatseparation of liquid from solid in the silicone grease is substantiallyeliminated throughout the operable temperature range of the bag asapplied to food container storage. In general, proportions of inertsilica filler to liquid silicone are selected to yield a silicone greaseviscosity that would not inhibit the application of the silicone greaseonto the closure 21. The proportion of inert silica filler to liquidsilicone is preferably less than approximately 30% by weight. Even morepreferably, the proportion of inert silica filler to liquid silicone ison the order of 6% by weight.

In one highly preferred embodiment, the silicone grease 99 is providedby Clearco™ Silicone Grease (food grade) provided by Clearco ProductsCo., Inc., Bensalem Pa. Clearco™ Silicone Grease (food grade) has a workpenetration value of about 290 to about 340, in which the workpenetration is measured at 60 strokes and a temperature of 77° F.Clearco™ Silicone Grease (food grade) comprises 94% dimethylpolysiloxaneand 6% fumed silica by weight % and has a specific gravity on the orderof about 1.1. Clearco™ Silicone Grease may be utilized at temperaturesranging from approximately −40° F. to approximately 4° F. withoutchemical decomposition and is therefore well suited for food storageapplications. In this embodiment of the present invention, the siliconegrease 99 may be positioned along at least one of the male and femaleprofiles of closure 21, wherein incidental contact to food beinginserted into the storage space of the storage device typically accountsfor less that 5.0 ppb of silicone grease being incorporated into thefood item being stored.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the caulking compositionmay comprise a soy adhesive. Similar to the above-described caulkingcompositions, the soy adhesive preferably is suitable for incidentalfood contact and has an operable temperature range suitable for foodpackaging and storage. One example of a soy adhesive is. Pro-cote® soypolymer, which is available from DuPont™. In general, soy adhesive isprepared by extracting and refining soy oil from dehulled, flakedsoybeans. The extracted material contains isolated soy protein in itsnative or globular form; and soluble, low molecular weight sugars. Theextract is then processed in a controlled pH environment at tightlycontrolled temperatures to uncoil globular native soy protein intosmaller units, and fractionating the material into uniform polymerfractions. The isolated protein molecule fractions are highly reactiveand are chemically treated to modify the protein chain to providedesired adhesive properties. Unmodified soy-based oils may also beemployed as a caulking composition. An alternative source of soy basedoils and adhesives is the soy products available from Cargill™Industrial Oils & Lubricants.

As will be appreciated, numerous reactive materials may also be employedas caulking compositions. In particular, materials which may be coatedas separate reactants onto separate interengaging portions of theclosure which are admixed upon engagement of the interengaging portionsof the closure may be utilized. Accordingly, when the closure parts areengaged the admixed reactants will be combined, reacting and formingin-situ a caulking composition which is infiltrated into a least onevoid defined by the engaged interengaging portions of the closure. Oneexample of such a system comprises a free-flowing reactive polymerliquid and a liquid cross-linking agent, each coated on separateportions of the closure. In this example, when the closure is engaged,the separate portions contact, admixing the polymer and cross-linkingagent, providing a viscous, cross-linked polymer caulking compositionwhich is infiltrated into voids in the closure defined by theinterengaged portions of the closure. Other examples include theprovision of a free-flowing liquid and a gelling agent on separateportions of the closure to form a viscous caulking agent upon admixture,and the provision of a two-part adhesive material which react to form anadhesive upon admixture, for example, formation of a pressure-sensitiveadhesive. Other types of chemical transformations will also be apparentto those of skill in the art.

Referring now to FIG. 3, in another embodiment of the present invention,the resealable closure structure includes at least two sets of opposedinterlocking profiles 150 respectively having interengaging profiles 24,28 and 23, 26 selectively engaged in sealing the opening 18 to thestorage space 22. Each pair of interengaging profiles comprise ageometry having a symmetrical head (32, 36) extending from a stem (30,34). Each asymmetrical head is preferably offset on the stem tocomplimentarily fit into the void space defined by stem 34, post 38 andasymmetrical head 36. The term “asymmetrical head” denotes that thecenterline of the head portion of the profile is substantially offsetfrom the centerline of the stem portion of the profile to which it isaffixed.

The void space defined by stem 34, post 38 and asymmetrical head 36comprises a groove configured to selectively engage the asymmetricalhead 32 of the corresponding interengaging profile 23, 24. Stem 34, post38 and asymmetrical head 36 are spaced to selectively engagecorresponding interengaging profiles 23, 24. The spacing between thepost 38 and stem 34, and between post 38 and asymmetrical head 36 issufficiently narrow to bias asymmetrical head 32 toward asymmetricalhead 36 when profiles 23, 24, 26, and 28 are engaged. The biasedpositioning of the asymmetrical head 36 in combination with the spacingof post 38 to correspond to the width of asymmetrical heads 23, 24defining a grove that reversibly interlocks asymmetrical head 23, 24into the groove when the profiles are engaged.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the resealable closure further includes acaulking composition 99 positioned on at least one of asymmetrical heads23, 24, 26, and/or 28. The caulking composition 99 may be deposited orinjected onto the profiles 23, 24, 26, and/or 28 insuring that an airtight seal is obtained when the profiles 23, 24, 26, 28 are interengagedunder varying temperature and pressure conditions. The caulkingcomposition 99 may be positioned along the entire length of the opposedinterlocking profiles 150 or only a portion of the opposed interlockingprofiles 150, such as the end portions of the opposed interlockingprofiles 150 at the bag's periphery.

In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 4 (without showing certainreference numbers for clarity), the resealable closure 20 includes abead of caulking composition 1 in the gap between two parallel sets ofopposed interlocking profiles 150. In application, as each set ofopposed interlocking profiles 150 are interengaged, the bead of caulkingcomposition 1 contacts the ends of each set of opposed interlockingprofiles 150. In a preferred embodiment, the bead of caulkingcomposition 1 fills the void separating the parallel sets of opposedinterlocking profiles 150 and contacts the female profiles grooves 26,28 in each set of opposed interlocking profiles 150, thereby creating aseal. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the resealableclosure structure 20 includes a bead of caulking composition 1 in thegap between two parallel sets of opposed interlocking profiles 150 andadditional caulking composition 99 between at least one set ofinterengaging profiles (23, 26) and (24, 28).

In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 5 (without showing certainreference numbers for clarity), the resealable closure 20 includes abead of sealant material 45 in the gap between two parallel sets ofopposed interlocking profiles 150. The sealant material 45 is acomposition of high EVA & high MI polymers selected to provide ahigh-conformance region in the closure, as described above.Additionally, a bead of sealant material 53, 55 may be applied to thedistal tip of each male profile 23, 24. In general, suitable sealantmaterial comprises compositions of polymers as described above oralternatively ultra-low density (ULD) polymers (as defined above) withEVA additives at a 2% or higher loading. Beads of sealant material 45,53, 55 ensure that an air-tight barrier: exists between substantiallythe entire length of interengaging profiles (23, 26) and (24, 28) whenthe resealable closure structure 20 is engaged. A bead of sealingmaterial 45 may also be positioned on both sides of a single set ofopposed interlocking profiles 150, as depicted in FIG. 6. Similar to theabove described embodiments, a bead of caulking composition may beemployed between parallel sets of opposed interlocking profiles and/orthe caulking composition may be employed between at least one set ofinterengaging profiles (23, 26) and/or (24, 28).

Referring now to FIG. 7, in yet another embodiment of the presentinvention, the resealable closure 20 may be provided by resealableclosure strips having independent and substantially symmetric profiles60, 62, 64, 66, unlike the embodiments above utilizing asymmetricalstructures. Accordingly, the heads (described below) are not offsetrelative to the stems. That is, each symmetric element 60, 62, 64, 66includes a head 270 and a stem 272. The head 270 is disposed generallysymmetrically on the stem 272. The symmetric profiles 60, 62, 64, 66 aredisposed with two elements of each panel 12, 14 and are spaced andconfigured so that the gap between adjacent elements defines a voidregion which has a shape corresponding to the shape of the symmetricprofiles 60, 62, 64, 66. This embodiment further includes outer 80, 82.The outer elements 80, 82 are offset toward the symmetric profiles 60,62, 64, 66 and bias the symmetric profiles 60, 62, 64, 66 into eachother. The outer elements 80, 82 are sized and shaped to correspond tothe outer most two symmetric profiles 60, 66. Similar to the abovedescribed embodiments, a bead of caulking composition may be employedbetween one or more of the symmetric profiles 60, 62, 64; 66.Additionally or alternatively the profiles may incorporate a region ofsealing material, as described above, for example, by coextrusion of thesealing material with the base material comprising the profile.

Additionally, although not depicted in FIG. 7, multiple sets of opposinginterlocking profiles may be employed incorporating independent andsubstantially symmetric profiles, wherein a bead of caulking compositionmay be position between two sets of opposing interlocking profiles. Thebead of caulking composition may be employed separately or inconjunction with caulking composition disposed between each of thesymmetric profiles. It is noted that the present invention is notlimited to profile geometries disclosed above, as any profile geometrymay be utilized and is within the scope of the present disclosure, solong as the geometry of the profiles is compatible with the sealingcaulking composition in a manner that provides an air-tight seal.

Referring to FIG. 8, in one embodiment of the present invention, theresealable closure 20 comprises a opening and a clamping means. Theclamping means may comprise a clip 170 that is separate from theevacuable bag 14, in which the clip 170 seals the opening 18 of the bag14 in clamp seal engagement. In another embodiment the clamping meansmay further include a mandrel 171, wherein the opening 18 of theevacuable bag 14 is rolled around the mandrel 171 and the clip 170compresses the portion of the evacuable bag 14 rolled about the mandrelin clamp seal engagement.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the storage device 10 further includes avacuum conduit having one end in fluid communication with the interiorof the storage space 22 and which includes a vacuum valve assembly 30.The vacuum valve assembly 30 is in fluid communication with the storagespace 22 and defines a sealable passage through which liquids and/orgases may be drawn.

Referring to FIG. 9, in one embodiment the vacuum valve assembly 30includes a base 31 having a flat surface 33 with at least one opening 37there through, a resilient valve element 35, and an alignment device 39.The base 31 is sealingly engaged to the evacuable bag 14. The valveelement 35 is generally flat and disposed adjacent to the flat surface33. The alignment device 39 is coupled to the base 31 and is structuredto bias the valve element 35 against the flat surface 33. The valveelement 35 is structured to move between a first position, wherein theopening 37 is open, and a second position, wherein the opening 37 issealed. The valve element 35 is normally biased to the second position.The base 31 has a defined shape, such as, but not limited to a concavedisk. The outer surface 41 of the base 31 is a generally flat torus.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum valve assemblymay be consistent with the valves disclosed in U.S. patent applicationPublication Ser. No. 11/100,301 (Client Docket Number AVERP3868US),entitled “EVACUATABLE CONTAINER”, filed Apr. 6, 25. It is noted that thesealing nature of the valve element 35 may be enhanced by incorporatinga sealing material and/or a caulking composition into the sealingmembers of the valve assembly. In another embodiment, the vacuum valveassembly 30 may further include at least one rib (not depicted)extending from the interior side of the valve assembly base 31, whereinthe rib extending from the base 31 ensures that the valve assembly isnot obstructed during application of the vacuum.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 10 a-10 c, 11 a-11 d, and 15, the storage device 10further includes a stand-off structure 70. The stand-off structure 70provides a communicating passage for the removal of liquids and gases.This is, preferably, a strip 71 of film having a pattern of channels 72embossed, or cut, therein. The stand-off structure channels 72 aredesigned not to collapse even when the bag 14 is placed under a vacuum.The channels 72 may be in any shape, such as, but not limited to ahoneycomb pattern (FIG. 10 a), a grid or partial grid (FIG. 10 b), aseries of parallel grooves (FIG. 10 c) or a series of triangular columns(FIG. 11 c). Referring to FIG. 15, the cavity face 85 of the stand-offstructure 70 faces the valve assembly 30 and the protrusion face 86 ofthe stand-off structure 70 faces the storage space 22.

The honeycomb pattern of channels is depicted in isometric view in FIG.11 a, in which the channels 72 that provide the communicating passagefor the removal of liquids and gases is defined by a series ofpolyhedron structures 1. Referring now to FIG. 11 b, in anotherembodiment of the stand-off structure 70, the pattern of channels 72 forthe removal of liquids and gasses may be provided by a series ofcurvilinear columns 120.

Regardless of the geometry selected for providing the channels, thestand-off structure 70 produces a passage for the removal of liquids andgases by providing a cross-section with a series of raised surfaces andrecessed surfaces. In one embodiment, the standoff structure is integralwith a fluid conduit providing fluid communication between the interiorof the storage device and a vacuum system by which the storage device isevacuated, and which comprises a vacuum valve, the standoff structure,optionally a quick-connect device, optionally a liquid/vapor separatorand the suction side of a vacuum pump. Referring to FIG. 12 a, channels72 are provided in the area defined between the raised surfaces 74 andrecessed surfaces 75 of the stand-off structure's 70 cross-section. Thestand-off structure 70 may have a series of channels 72 on one side ofthe standoff structure 70, as depicted in FIG. 12 a, or on both sides ofthe stand-off structure 70, as depicted in FIG. 12 b. Referring to FIG.11 c, in one embodiment of the present invention, the cavity face 85 ofthe stand-off structure 70 comprises channels 72 and the protrusion side86 comprises a series of communicating passages produced by a pluralityof polyhedron structures.

As shown in FIGS. 13 a-13 d, 14 and 15, the stand-off structure 70 maybe bonded to the inner side of the bag 14, on the same side of theevacuable bag 14 as the valve assembly 30. Although thermal bonding ofthe stand-off structure 70 to the side of the evacuable bag 14 ispreferred, any conventional bonding method may be utilized as known bythose skilled in the art. The stand-off structure 70 is positioned at alocation corresponding to the location of the vacuum valve assembly 30.Multiple valve assemblies 30 and multiple stand-off structures 70 may beutilized in a single storage device 10, as depicted in FIG. 13 d.

As shown in FIG. 13 a, the coupling of the stand-off structure 70 may beaccomplished prior to folding over the plastic sheet 16, wherein theentire side periphery 73 of the stand-off structure is bound to theplastic sheet 16. Referring to FIG. 13 b, in another embodiment, thecoupling of the stand-off structure 70 to the storage device 10 may beaccomplished by bonding only selected portions of the stand-offs sideperiphery 73 to the plastic sheet 16. Additionally, as opposed tolimiting the stand-off structure 70 to a single side of the storagedevice 10, the stand-off structure 70 may be coupled to extend acrossboth sides of the bag 14, as shown in FIG. 13 c. In another example, thestand-off structure 70 may be positioned to extend diagonally across theplastic sheet as depicted in FIG. 13 d. It is noted that examplesdepicted in FIGS. 12 a-12 d have been provided for illustrative purposesand that other configurations in the positioning of the stand-off 70 arewithin the scope of the present invention, so long as the stand-off 70is positioned to be in fluid communication with the vacuum valveassembly 30 in a manner that allows for the removal of liquids andgasses from the storage device 10.

FIG. 14 depicts the positioning of the stand-off structure 70 once theplastic sheet 16 is folded over upon itself and two lateral sides 15 aresealed adjacent to the periphery forming the storage space 22. Thestand-off structure 70 is clearly depicted as being bound to the face ofthe plastic sheet 16 within the storage space 22, wherein the channels72 of the stand-off structure 70 face the surface of the plastic sheet16 to which the stand-off structure 70 is bound. In an alternateembodiment, the stand off structure 70 may include channels 72 on bothsides of the stand off structure 70 (FIG. 12 b), in which the channelson a first side of the stand off structure 70 face the surface of theplastic sheet 16 to which the stand-off structure 70 is bound and thechannels 72 on the second side of the stand off structure 70 face theopposing plastic sheet.

FIG. 15 illustrates the cross-section of the storage device 10 depictedin FIG. 14 along reference line 9-9, in which the channels 72 of thestand-off structure 70 are clearly depicted as facing away from thestorage space 22 and towards the vacuum valve assembly 30 as well as thesurface of the plastic sheet 16 to which the stand-off structure 70 isbound. Prior to the application of a vacuum, the portion of thestand-off structure 70 opposing, the valve assembly 30 may be separatedfrom valve assembly 30 by a distance D1 ranging from about 0.3″ to about0.25″.

In one application, a vacuum pump is attached to the vacuum conduitwhich includes at least one vacuum valve and in fluid communicationtherewith, at least one standoff structure. The vacuum pump is operated,applying a vacuum to the interior of the storage device through thevacuum valve assembly 30 and standoff assembly causing the storage space22 to collapse upon a food article contained therein. During theapplication of the vacuum, the stand-off structure 70 separates the foodarticle from the vacuum valve assembly 30, ensuring that the foodarticle does not obstruct the flow of air or liquids to be removed fromthe storage space 22, and insuring that the walls of the storage deviceconform tightly to the food article. Additionally, as the vacuum causesthe portion of the plastic sheet 16 opposing the stand off structure 70to collapse upon the raised portions of the stand-off structure 70, anyremaining liquid and air may be removed via the stand-off structure's 70recessed channels. During the application of the vacuum, the distance D1separating the valve assembly 30 from the opposing raised surfaces ofthe stand-off structure 70 may be substantially eliminated whilemaintaining an effective passageway for removing the remaining air andliquids from the storage device through the stand-off structure's 70recessed channels.

It will be appreciated that the resealable closure structure 20, shownin FIG. 1, may be operated by hand, however, as shown in FIGS. 1, 16 aand 16 b, the resealable closure 20 may also include a closing clip 80and end clips 82. The closing clip 80 is a rigid U-shaped member 84structured to fit snugly over at least the first and second sideprotrusions 54, 56, 58. The U-shaped member 84 is structured to bias themale protrusion 54 into the groove 60 formed by the other protrusions56, 58 as the U-shaped member 84 is moved over the protrusions 54, 56,58. In the embodiments of the present invention incorporating multipleprotrusions, the U-shaped member 84 may be structured to also fit snuglyover multiple protrusions 62, 64, wherein the U-shaped member alsobiases at least one additional male protrusion 62 into at least oneadditional groove formed by the other protrusions 64. The closure clip80 functions to ensure that the interlocking profiles 21 are engaged asthe clip 80 is disposed along a first direction, but does not affect theengagement of the interlocking profiles 21 when disposed along thedirection opposite to that of the first direction. More specifically,the closure clip 80 does not separate the interlocking profiles whenbeing traversed over engaged interlocking profiles 21. The end clips 82are bonded to the ends of the resealable closure 20 and arrest themotion of the closing clip as it traverses the bag 14. The cross-sectionof an end clip is depicted in FIG. 17.

As mentioned above, in one embodiment the reclosable storage devicecomprises a portion of a system which includes a vacuum device having alow pressure side attached to a vacuum conduit which is in fluidcommunication with the interior of the storage device and which conduitincludes a vacuum valve (described above). Optionally, the assemblyincludes also a quick-disconnect means in the vacuum conduit between thevacuum pump and the storage device and optionally includes a gas/liquidseparator means in the vacuum conduit between the suction side of thevacuum pump and the storage device.

As will be appreciated, any number of vacuum devices can be utilized toevacuate a reclosable storage device in accordance with the presentinvention, however, in some embodiments, it is preferred to employ ahand-held or portable vacuum pump. An example of one suitable portabledevice is illustrated in FIG. 21. The portable vacuum pump assemblyillustrated in FIG. 21, pump 40, includes a power source, such as abattery, a vacuum pump having a suction side and an exhaust side, and amotor, (all not shown). The vacuum pump may be connected to the fluidconduit connected to the interior of the storage device by aquick-connect means, wherein one portion of the quick-connect means isintegral with the vacuum pump assembly and another portion of thequick-connect means is integral with the flexible storage device. Anexample of this is illustrated in FIG. 1 as engagement end 42 of vacuumpump 40. As illustrated, engagement end 42 has a defined shape, forexample, a convex disk, concave disk or a disk shaped to fit within themedial opening of the outer surface of a vacuum valve assembly'sdefining one end of a fluid conduit associated with a storage device.The engagement end 42 has a defined shape structured to engage thevacuum valve assembly 30 and defines a passage that is in fluidcommunication with the vacuum pump 40. Thus, the engagement end of theportable vacuum pump 40 may function as a quick-connect means, forexample, as illustrated in FIGS. 18( a) and 18(b) a suction cup tip 160,in which the suction cup tip 160 incorporates integrated stand offstructures 161 to maintain suction during application of the vacuum asdepicted in FIGS. 18( a) and 18(b). It is noted that other quick-connectmeans, for example, vacuum tips (engagement end 42) have beencontemplated and are within the scope of the present invention, so longas the engagement end 42 geometry provides a quick connect engagementwith the vacuum valve assembly. A “quick connection engagement” requiressealing of the valve assembly 30 and engagement end 42 without separatefasteners or the removal of separable sealing members. It will beappreciated that the system may also utilize more conventional couplingmeans to join the vacuum system to the fluid conduit to provide fluidcommunication between the suction side of the vacuum pump and theinterior of the storage device.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the assembly may also include a liquidseparator assembly 90. The liquid separator assembly 90 is structured tocollect a liquid, while allowing gases to be drawn into the suction sideof the vacuum pump assembly 40. In One embodiment, the liquid separatorassembly 90 includes a tube 92, and accumulator housing 94 and adiverter 96. The tube 92 further includes a base 98 structured tosealingly engage both the attachment end 42 and the accumulator housing94. The accumulator housing 94 is shaped as a cup and is structured tocontain a liquid. The diverter 96 is structured to engage the distal endof the tube 92 and redirect the fluid flow from an axial direction inthe tube 92 into the accumulator housing 94. Thus, when assembled, theattachment end 42 is coupled to the lower side of the tube base 98 andthe accumulator housing 94 is coupled to the upper side of the tube base98. The diverter 96 is disposed at the distal end of the tube 92. Thus,there is a fluid passage from the attachment end 42 into the accumulatorhousing 94.

In operation, the portable vacuum pump 40 is structured to engage thevacuum conduit connected to the interior of the storage device, forexample, as illustrated, the outer surface of the vacuum valve assembly30. When the portable vacuum pump 40 is engaged and actuated the vacuumvalve assembly 30 is actuated by the resultant pressure differential,the valve element 35 moves into the first position (described above) andthe vacuum conduit passage is open and fluid (gas and liquid) iswithdrawn from the bag 14 through the vacuum conduit into the suctionside of the vacuum pump. The fluid may be both liquid and gas. When aseparator assembly is present in the vacuum conduit, liquid and gas aredrawn into the liquid separator assembly 90, the liquid contacts thediverter 96 and is deposited in the accumulator housing 94. Thus, theliquid is not drawn with the gas towards the vacuum pump. The gas isexhausted via the vacuum pump from the vacuum pump assembly 40. When theaccumulator housing 94 needs to be emptied, a user may simply remove thetube 92 and base 98 allowing the liquid to drain from the vacuum pumpassembly 40.

When a portable vacuum pump 40 is actuated, air is withdrawn from thestorage space 22. Thus, as shown in FIG. 21, an item, such as a foodarticle 1 shown in ghost, may be placed in a storage device 10. Thestand-off structure 70 is structured to prevent the plastic sheet thatforms the evacuable bag 14, or an item within the bag 14, fromobstructing the vacuum valve assembly 30. That is, the channels 72 onthe stand-off structure 70 provide a path for liquids and gases withinthe bag 14 to reach the valve assembly 30. In the embodiments of theinvention in which the stand-off assembly has channels positioned onboth sides of the stand-off structure 70, the channels contacting theitem contained within the bag ensures that liquids and gasses are nottrapped between the stand-off structure 70 and the item contained withinthe storage space.

While illustrative embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein, itwill be appreciated that numerous modifications and other embodimentsmay be devised by those skilled in the art. Therefore, it will beunderstood that the appended claims are intended to cover all suchmodifications and embodiments that come within the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

1. A vacuum system comprising: a vacuum pump having a suction side; andan evacuable package, comprising: a first sidewall and a second sidewallconnected to define an interior evacuable space and an open top portionof the evacuable package, the first sidewall also defining an aperture,a resealable closure located along the open top portion of the evacuablepackage to selectively open or close the top portion of the evacuablepackage, a one-way valve disposed on the first sidewall to correspond tothe aperture and to allow the evacuation of the evacuable package, astand-off structure disposed within the interior evacuable space tofacilitate the evacuation of the evacuable package, and a caulkingcomposition disposed along a length of the resealable closure toincrease the air-tightness of the resealable closure; wherein the vacuumpump is configured to engage the suction side to the one-way valve andevacuate fluids from the evacuable package.
 2. The vacuum system ofclaim 1, wherein the resealable closure comprises two opposinginterlocking profiles, and the caulking composition is disposed along anentire length of at least one of the interlocking profiles to infiltratevoid spaces when the interlocking profiles are interlocked and assist increating a reversible air-permeable resistant resealable closure, andwherein the caulking composition is suitable for at least incidentalcontact with food items.
 3. The vacuum system of claim 2, wherein thecaulking composition fills voids in a crush zone of the resealableclosure to improve the air-tightness of the evacuable package.
 4. Thevacuum system of claim 3, wherein the evacuable package furthercomprises: a sealing bead disposed on the resealable closure, thesealing bead having a lower density than the interlocking profiles, thesealing bead conforming to the geometry of the interlocking profileswhen the interlocking profiles are interlocked.
 5. The vacuum system ofclaim 3 wherein said resealable closure further comprises a closing clipconfigured to engage said interlocking profiles when disposed along afirst direction, wherein said closing clip does not disengage saidinterlocking profiles when disposed along a second direction opposingsaid first direction.
 6. The vacuum system of claim 3, wherein theone-way valve is disposed on an exterior surface of the first sidewall,and the one-way valve comprises: a flat base disposed on the exteriorsurface overlapping the aperture and having at least one opening, aresilient valve element, and a sealing composition disposed between theflat base and the resilient valve element.
 7. The vacuum system of claim6, wherein the caulking composition is one of a silicon grease and a soyadhesive.
 8. The vacuum system of claim 6, wherein the caulkingcomposition comprises at least two reactants, and each reactant isseparately disposed on the interlocking profiles such that the reactantsreact upon the interlocking of the interlocking profiles.
 9. The vacuumsystem of claim 6 wherein the caulking composition comprises tworeactive constituents wherein each said constituent is applied to aseparate portion of the closure, disposed such that when theinterengaging portions of the closure are initially engaged saidreactive constituents are admixed to produce a reaction product which isinfiltrated into at least one void defined by the interengaging portionsof the closure.
 10. The vacuum system of claim 8, wherein the at leasttwo reactants comprise one of a free flowing reactive polymer liquid anda liquid cross lining agent, a free flowing liquid and a gelling agent,and a two-part adhesive.
 11. The vacuum system of claim 3 wherein aviscosity of said caulking composition is reduced as its temperature isincreased.
 12. The vacuum system of claim 3 wherein the caulkingcomposition does not undergo decomposition in a temperature range offrom about −10° F. to about +160° F.
 13. The vacuum system of claim 3wherein the caulking composition comprises 94% dimethylpolysiloxane and6% fumed silica by weight percent.
 14. The vacuum system of claim 12wherein said caulking composition has a worked penetration value ofabout 290 to about 340, wherein said worked penetration is measured at60 strokes and a temperature of about 77° F.
 15. The vacuum system ofclaim 14 wherein said caulking composition comprises a soy adhesivematerial.
 16. The vacuum system of claim 4 wherein the sealing bead isselected from one or more of low density polyethylene, ethylene vinylacetate copolymers, ultra low density polyolefin, and polyolefin,wherein said sealing bead has a density of not more than 0.925g/cm.sup.3 as measured in accordance with ASTM D1505-03.
 17. The vacuumsystem of claim 3 wherein said resealable closure comprises more thanone pair of interengaging profile members in substantially parallelrelationship.
 18. The vacuum system of claim 1 wherein the one-way valveis disposed on an exterior surface of the first sidewall and the one-wayvalve and the vacuum pump have complimentary quick-connect meansintegrated to each to quickly connect the vacuum pump to the one-wayvalve.
 19. The vacuum system of claim 1, wherein the standoff structurecomprises a sheet of plastic defining a plurality of communicationchannels, and said standoff structure is disposed on the second sidewallto be proximal and opposite the one-way vacuum valve.
 20. The vacuumsystem of claim 19 wherein said standoff structure comprises at leastone face embossed with one or more of: (a) a series of channels; (b) agrid of grooves; (c) parallel grooves; (d) a honeycomb pattern ofgrooves; (e) a series of curvilinear columns; and (f) a series ofpolyhedron structures.
 21. The vacuum system of claim 19 wherein thestandoff structure is integrally formed on the second sidewall.